Cracks in 5-Mile

Map for Mountain Information Network report: Cracks in 5-Mile

Snow conditions

Riding quality was:
Amazing
Snow conditions were:
  • Deep powder
  • Wind affected
We rode:
  • Open trees
  • Steep slopes
We stayed away from:
  • Convex slopes

Information

The day was:
  • Cloudy
  • Cold
  • Windy
Avalanche conditions
  • Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Comments

Cloud cover and increasing winds moved into Five Mile Basin today, reducing visibility and affecting the snow surface. Wind-affected snow was present above ~2000 m, with up to 5 cm of newly formed wind board in exposed areas. We observed several easily propagating shooting cracks at various elevations above 2000 m. Slabs were relatively thin and not producing large cohesive blocks, but cracking indicated reactive wind slabs. We adjusted terrain accordingly and travelled in more wind-protected areas for the remainder of the day.